Why is it in the news?
- Havisure, being India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, was officially launched, marking a significant step in addressing and preventing hepatitis infections in the country.
More about the news
- Havisure was developed by Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
- It is a two-dose vaccine, with the first dose administered at or above 12 months of age, followed by the second dose at least 6 months after the first.
- Havisure is specifically recommended for individuals who are at risk of exposure to hepatitis A or those planning to travel to regions where hepatitis A prevalence is high.
About Hepatitis
- Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver and can be caused by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents.
- There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E.
| Hepatitis Type | Transmission | Prevention/Treatment |
| Hepatitis A | Spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water. | Vaccine available. |
| Hepatitis B | Transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, and from mother to child during birth. It can also spread through unsafe injections or exposure to sharp instruments. | Vaccine available. |
| Hepatitis C | Mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood, sharing needles or syringes, and unsafe medical procedures like blood transfusions with unscreened blood products. | No vaccine available. Antiviral medicines used for treatment. |
| Hepatitis D | Occurs in individuals already infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). | Vaccine available. |
| Hepatitis E | Primarily spreads through the faecal-oral route, particularly via contaminated water. | Vaccine available. |
Initiatives for Hepatitis Prevention
- National Viral Hepatitis Control Program 2019: A national program with the goal of eliminating Hepatitis C in India by the year 2030.
- Mission Indradhanush 2014: This initiative provides vaccination against Hepatitis B along with seven other infections, contributing to the broader spectrum of immunization efforts.
- World Hepatitis Day: Observed annually on 28 July, this day serves to raise awareness about hepatitis and emphasizes the global efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.
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